Which rapid prototyping process employs photopolymers?

Stereolithography is a rapid prototyping process that uses photopolymers, which are light-sensitive materials that undergo polymerization when exposed to a specific wavelength of light, typically ultraviolet (UV) light. In this process, a laser beam scans the surface of a liquid photopolymer resin in a layer-by-layer fashion. The areas exposed to the laser solidify, allowing the creation of three-dimensional objects. As each layer is completed, the platform drops slightly, and the process repeats, gradually building the model from the bottom up.

The unique characteristic of Stereolithography lies in its ability to produce highly detailed and accurate prototypes quickly, making it suitable for a variety of applications in product development and design. The use of photopolymers is a defining aspect of this technology, differentiating it from other rapid prototyping methods that utilize different materials and techniques.